Blastocystis is an enteric Straminopile in tropical, subtropical and developing countries. Metronidazole has been a chemotheraputic for blastocystosis. Failures in its regimens were reported and necessitate new studies searching for alternative therapeutic agents. Aim of current study is to investigate potential effects of Atorvastatin (AVA) compared to the conventional chemotherapeutic MTZ in experimentally Blastocystis-infected mice. Anti-Blastocystis efficacy of AVA was evaluated parasitologically, histopathologically and by transmission electron microscopy using MTZ (10 mg/kg) as a control. Therapeutic efficacy of AVA was apparently dose-dependent. Regimens of AVA (20 and 40 mg/kg) proved effective against Blastocystis infections with high reduction in Blastocystis shedding (93.4–97.9%) compared to MTZ (79.3%). The highest reductions (98.1% and 99.4%) were recorded in groups of combination treatments AVA 20–40 mg/kg and MTZ 10 mg/kg. Blastocystis was nearly eradicated by the 20th day post infection. Genotype analysis revealed that genotype I was most susceptible, genotype III was less. Histopathologic and ultrastructural studies revealed apoptotic changes in Blastocystis and significant improvement of intestinal histopathological changes more remarkable in combinational therapy groups. Thus, the present study offers AVA as a potential candidate for Blastocystis therapy combined with MTZ.

Chronic kidney disease is a global health problem with increasing morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study was planned to test the protective effect of hematopoietic-stem-cell mobilization by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on Adriamycin (ADR)-induced chronic renal disease in rats. Thirty albino rats were equally divided into three groups: control, ADR group [rats received a single intravenous injection of ADR (5 mg/kg)], and G-CSF group [rats received ADR by the same route and the same dose as the previous group, and then G-CSF (70 μg/kg/d) 2 hours after ADR injection then daily for five consecutive days]. At the time of sacrifice (after 6 weeks), blood samples were taken to estimate the blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Kidney sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue, Masson's trichrome, periodic acid–Schiff stains, and immunohistochemical staining against CD34 and caspase-3. The G-CSF group exhibited protection against renal injury manifested by reducing blood urea nitrogen and serum-creatinine levels, improving histological architecture, and increasing the proliferative capacity of renal tubules.

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by acute episodes of colonic inflammation. Its pathogenesis is associated with decreased antioxidant capability. Royal Jelly (RJ) is usually used as a complementary therapy in various diseases because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Aim of the work:To evaluate the protective effect of RJ against acetic acid-induced UC in adult male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were divided equally into 3 groups. Group I was the control group. Group II included rats subjected to intracolonic acetic acid (AA) for induction of UC. Group III 10 rats treated with RJ (250 mg/kg/day orally) for 7 days, thereafter subjected to AA. RJ was administered for another 14 days. Rats were sacrificed after 21 days. Serum glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. Colonic sections were subjected to H&E, Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS), toluidine blue, Mallory's trichrome stains and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) immunohistochemical stain. Results: Group II showed significant decrease in GSH, significant increase in MDA and marked histological alterations in colon. There was a significant decrease in the number of goblet cells, but significant increases in the number of mast cells, area% of collagen fibers and COX-2 immunoexpression compared to the control. In group III, GSH was significantly increased and MDA was significantly decreased compared to group II. The colon showed minimal changes, significant increase in the number of goblet cells, significant reduction in the number of mast cells, collagen deposition and COX-2 immunoreactivity compared to group II. When compared to the control, there was no significant difference regards the serological, histological and morphometric results, except for the number of goblet cells that revealed significant decrease. Conclusion: RJ proven to protect against acetic acid-induced UC in albino rats.

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Background: Skin is the largest protective organ in the body, but it is frequently injured by either acute or chronic wounds. Prolonged healing and scar formation are two major challenges in treating wounds, resulting in physical, mental and socioeconomic burden to the affected subjects. Exosomes (Exos) are naturally secreted vesicles playing a vital role in the transfer of RNA to neighboring or distant recipient cells and there are numerous on-going studies on their role of in tissue regeneration and wound healing. Aim of the work: Evaluation of the efficiency of Exos derived from adipose stem cells on cutaneous wound healing in adult male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four rats were divided into three groups; Group I: control. Group II: a dorsal cut wound (1.5 × 1.5 cm) was done to each rat. Group III: the same wound was done and rats were injected with 200μ PKH26-labeled Exos intravenously. Rats were sacrificed after 21 days. Skin sections were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (HandE), Mallory's trichrome and orcein stains, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Ki67 immunohistochemical stains. Results: Skin sections from group II showed scar formation, lost epidermal layers and hair follicles. There was significant increase in collagen fibers and α-SMA immunoreaction, with significant decrease in elastic fibers and Ki67 immunoexpression compared to the control. In group III, the skin revealed almost normal histology, significant decrease in collagen fibers and α-SMA, with significant increase in elastic fibers and Ki67 immunoreaction compared to group II. Conclusion: Exos injection has demonstrated a beneficial effect on cutaneous wound healing and could prevent scar formation in adult male albino rats.